Head of the Earth Observation Projects Department

pSelect how often (in days) to receive an alert: /p h3Head of the Earth Observation Projects Department /h3 pJob Requisition ID: 21152 /p pDate Posted: 23 October 2026 /p pClosing Date: 20 November :59 CET/CEST /p pPublication Method: Internal External /p pType of Appointment ( learn more) : 4 years, extendable to indefinite /p pDirectorate: Earth Observation Programmes /p pReporting directly to the Director of Earth Observation Programmes, the Head of the Earth Observation Projects Department is responsible for the overall system definition and management of approved ESA Earth observation programmes up to and including launch and in-orbit verification. /p h3bDuties /b /h3 pYour tasks and responsibilities will include: /p ul lileading the teams responsible for the design and implementation of the space segment of approved Earth observation missions undertaken by ESA (including Earth Explorer, Scout, Earth Watch, meteorological, Copernicus, ERS-EO and national programmes) up to and including launch and in-orbit commissioning; /li lidirecting, planning, distributing and monitoring projects; /li liensuring and endorsing the consolidation of the final programmatic framework of the future missions to be implemented (cost at completion, schedule, procurement and geo-return); /li liensuring that the approved mission requirements are implemented within the agreed schedule and established cost at completion; /li liinterfacing with industry, as needed, to support project teams; /li liinterfacing on technical and programmatic issues with Member States and partner organisations, for example EUMETSAT for meteorological missions and the European Commission for Copernicus missions; /li liimplementing ESA industrial policy for the elements under your responsibility; /li lideveloping and motivating departmental staff members by assessing performance, encouraging learning and development, delegating responsibilities and providing regular and constructive feedback; /li liencouraging synergy across project teams and creating a sense of unity and purpose between teams and across ESA, recognising team success and supporting any relevant ESA corporate activities; /li lidealing effectively with sensitive or difficult situations, liaising with Human Resources as required; /li liensuring that a long-term, strategic view is taken for the Department and effectively communicating that strategy and vision; /li limaintaining close cooperation with all EOP departments: Future Missions and Architecture (EOP-F) for the preparation of future missions; EO Mission Management and Ground Segment (EOP-G) for ground segment aspects; and Science, Applications and Climate (EOP-S) for science aspects and commercialisation. /li /ul pYou will be assisted by programme managers and project managers, as well as by the Project Control and Management Support and System Support functions. In carrying out your duties, you will liaise closely with other departments and offices within the Directorate, and draw on the support of other Agency directorates. /p pYou will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility. /p pExperience in the management and development of complex space systems /p pInteraction with European space industry at the highest level, including contract negotiation /p pProject and technical management /p pResult Orientationbr/Operational Efficiencybr/Fostering Cooperationbr/Relationship Managementbr/Continuous Improvementbr/Forward Thinking /p pA master's in engineering or physics is required for this post, together with 15 years of relevant professional experience. /p h3bAdditional requirements /b /h3 pYou should have: /p ul lithe ability to provide strategic direction to individuals and teams and relate team objectives to the overall and evolving organisational goals and context; /li lithe ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context, as well as the ability to support others (team members, senior management and other stakeholders) in this process; /li liprevious experience of managing managers and managing a large entity encompassing several teams. /li /ul pYou should also have: /p ul liproven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team of managers; /li lithe ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation; /li lidemonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written; /li lia proven track record of representing the Agency's interests to external interfaces; /li liexcellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills; /li lithe ability to take solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity, as well as the ability to support others (team members, upper management and other stakeholders) in this process. /li /ul pPeople mana